Virginia Tech College of Architecture, Arts and Design seeks applications
The College of Architecture, Arts, and Design (AAD)—houses the School of Architecture, the School of Design, the School of Performing Arts, and the School of Visual Arts—launched in July 2022. Among its core values is a commitment to curiosity, inquiry, and exploration through research and creative scholarship.
The college invites applications for the inaugural position of Associate Dean of Research and Creative Scholarship. The associate dean will be integral to developing AAD’s diverse research areas. Reporting to the dean, they will, in consultation with the faculty community, help to cultivate the culture and infrastructure required to advance the college’s research and creative endeavors by providing strategic leadership and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration within the college and beyond.
Primary responsibilities and expectations include:
Strategic leadership: Develop and implement a visionary strategy for research and creative scholarship within the college by building upon existing strengths and identifying new opportunities. Align the college’s research goals with Virginia Tech’s overall mission and the strategic priorities of both the university and the college.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: Facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration among faculty, students, and external partners to promote innovative research and creative initiatives that address complex challenges.
Research support: Provide leadership in securing external funding, grants, and resources to support research and creative projects within the college. Offer guidance and mentorship to faculty and students.
Promotion of scholarship: Advocate for the college’s distinctive research and creative scholarship achievements, both within the university and on a national and international level. Enhance the visibility and impact of the college’s scholarly work.
Faculty sevelopment: Collaborate with faculty and leadership to identify opportunities for professional growth, research collaboration, and creative exploration. Support the development of research-focused initiatives that contribute to faculty success.
Student engagement: Create opportunities for students to engage collaboratively with faculty in research and creative scholarship, fostering a culture of inquiry, exploration, and innovation among the college’s student community.
Administrative management: Collaborate with other college leaders to ensure effective management of resources and operations related to research and creative scholarship initiatives.
While the priority of the position will be to provide strategic leadership and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, it is expected that the successful candidate’s own research and/or creative scholarship will enhance the college’s community and external profile.
Required qualifications
–Possession of a terminal degree in a discipline relevant to the college’s fields of study
–Proven record of research or creative scholarship that demonstrates expertise in a relevant discipline and accomplishments qualifying them for appointment at the rank of tenured professor in one of the college’s four schools.
–Demonstrated experience in academic leadership, research administration, or related roles within higher education.
–Success with securing external funding in at least one the disciplines represented in the college
–Proven ability to foster collaboration and interdisciplinary research within a diverse academic community
–A strategic and innovative mindset that aligns with the evolving landscape of research and creative scholarship.
–A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, scholarship, and education.
Required application materials
–Full length curriculum vitae
–Application letter describing interests in the role, and addressing why the applicant is well-qualified for the position (not to exceed four pages)
–A one-page personal statement of leadership philosophy including the candidate’s ideas for supporting an equitable and inclusive research and creative scholarship environment consistent with the Virginia Tech Principles of Community. Specific examples of experiences, activities, and plans will help us identify candidates who can support our college’s aim to sustain an equitable climate and extend Virginia Tech’s commitment to inclusive excellence.
–Names of a minimum of four references (will not be contacted without applicant’s permission)
–Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide additional materials.
Salary commensurate with experience.
For more information, or to apply, please visit here.
*Image above: Students working in studio space on a design prompt in Burchard Hall.
